Dear Esther,
I just finished Award School and like many others seek entry into the industry.

However, I am in my 40s. Eek. What advice would you give me? Can you even be a ‘mature junior’? Is there anything it would be wise to know now rather than later as I begin my quest?

Thanks
Silver Fox

Dear Silver Fox,

AWARD School is essentially designed to give juniors a portfolio so they can begin the search for a job in a creative department. But it is also more than that. It’s a problem solving course that teaches students to analyse and de-constuct marketing conundrums and/or opportunities and apply to creative thinking to find lateral solutions.

Do you want to be a junior Copywriter in an ad agency? Can you afford in your 40s to work as an intern, or on a junior’s meagre salary? I doubt it and I wouldn’t recommend you follow the same path as your 21 – 35 year old counterparts.

You have a history. You should find a way to meld your relevant skills and experience and step from the career position you are in, towards the career position you are looking for.

There will most likely be a role in between these two fields and that is what you need to identify and pursue.

Find a way to showcase your most relevant experience and talent in a way that makes you unique, and not like other (younger) students. You need only take a small step backwards (if at all) to move sideways.

Own your career experiences, and use your AWARD School skills to put a new spin on the direction you wish to pursue.

Good luck.

You can ask Esther Clerehan anything about putting your book together, getting a job, what salary to ask for or what to do when someone steals your ideas. Go on, Ask Esther. There is no other creative recruiter with more experience to educate us on the art of the job hunt. You can email her here at junior at wtf@lifeatthebottom.com (wtf null@null lifeatthebottom NULL.com).